What to Ask When Hiring a Video Production Company

July 18, 2023

When it comes to finding the best video production company, it is essential you do your homework. With thousands of production companies in the United States alone, it can be hard to find the right one for your project and narrow down your options. The key is to research each potential company carefully and ensure they have the right experience and skills to make a good video.

When hiring a video production company, there are several important questions you should ask to ensure you get the best results. Here are some of the most important questions to ask when interviewing potential video production companies:

Things to Consider When Hiring a Video Agency

Previous Work

A portfolio is a creative video company's way of showing off their best work. It gives potential clients an insight into the capabilities and style of the organization and helps them in deciding whether to hire them or not. When reviewing a portfolio, it is important to ask yourself which particular piece stands out from the rest, and why it does so. Ask yourself what makes that project stand apart from the others in terms of quality or a unique approach.

Also, do not fall for the flashy demo reel instead of the real thing. Some projects may look great on the surface, but they do not have any real technical know-how. By looking at a portfolio carefully and taking the time to understand why certain projects stand out, you can make sure that you are getting the best production company for your money.

Testimonials

When looking for a video production company, it is important to find past clients' testimonials to get an independent look at their services. While it may be tempting to just focus on star ratings and the number of reviews, this can be misleading. A production company will only get good reviews from customers who are happy. Reading reviews for a potential partner, it is important to dive deeper into the individual feedback and consider how relevant it actually is.

For example, reviews that are solely praising customer service rather than actual work product should raise a red flag. It could be a sign of poor work - the customer was happy enough with the result not to leave a bad review, but not happy enough to leave a good review. A good review should include more than a "They answered all my calls!". If the reviews instead focus on specific results such as camera angles and edit quality, then you know that you have chosen well. Gaining access to reliable video production company client testimonials enables you to make an informed decision when selecting your vendor.

Case Studies

When considering hiring a video production company, it is important to ask them for case studies of their past work. This will give you a better understanding of the agency’s creative process and the results they achieved with their clients. It will also give you insight into how they approach different types of projects and how they bring an idea to life.

What is your experience in producing videos?

This is an important question to ask as it will give you an idea of the video production company's level of experience and expertise. Ask for examples of past projects they have worked on, and inquire about their pre-production process for creating videos. It’s also a good idea to ask if they have any awards or recognition for their work. This will give you an idea of the quality of their work and how well-respected they are in the industry.

Do you have any examples of previous work that I can review?

Yes, absolutely! We would be happy to provide you with examples of our previous work. We can provide you with a portfolio of videos we have produced in the past, as well as clients we have worked with in the past. Additionally, we can arrange for you to speak directly with some of our past clients so that you can get an idea of the quality of our work and how satisfied they were with the results.

How do you handle revisions and feedback?

We understand that revisions and feedback are an important part of the video production process. We take a collaborative approach to working with our clients, and we are always open to hearing their feedback and making changes as needed. We will work closely with you throughout the entire process to ensure that the final product meets your expectations. Check out our Picture-Perfect Guarantee.

How do you handle out-of-scope requests?

It is essential that production companies understand how to effectively manage out-of-scope requests and budgeting to avoid extra costs. Having honest and open discussions about costs, timelines, and boundaries before any project begins is paramount for a successful collaboration. It also helps to avoid surprises during the course of the project that could result in additional expenses or delays. A production company should be able to evaluate incoming requests and explain their process. They should be able to make changes without affecting their ability to work.

Additionally, an experienced production company should have an effective budgeting system in place to ensure adequate funds are allocated towards unforeseen items like out-of-scope requests. Transparency and communication are key qualities when it comes to managing this type of request. The client needs assurance that the production company is using their hard-earned money responsibly and isn’t being tempted with unnecessary add-ons or costly up-charges. If handled properly, out-of-scope requests should not come as a surprise. They should be an ongoing dialogue between the production team and the client from start to finish.

What is your process for creating a video from start to finish?

Our process for creating a video from start to finish typically involves the following steps:

1. Initial Consultation: We will meet with you to discuss your project goals, budget, timeline, and any other relevant details.

2. Pre - Production: During this stage, we will create storyboards, script writing, and shot lists for the video. We will also scout locations and secure any necessary permits or permissions.

3. Production: This is when we actually shoot the video on location or in our studio.

4. Post-Production: In this stage, we edit the footage together into a finished product that meets your expectations and vision for the project. We also add graphics, music, sound effects, color correction, etc., as needed.

5. Delivery: Finally, we deliver the finished product in whatever format you require.

How Do You Balance Creative Control?

At the forefront of any creative video project, above all else, is a team that is able to come together and balance creative control. When it comes to creative control, understanding the importance of and weighing each team member's strengths and weaknesses is critical in making sure every part of the video project works perfectly in harmony.

Working with a production company can be beneficial when you need help coming up with ideas and executing them effectively. With fresh perspectives from your own team and output from experienced professionals, working with a production company can bring great success to achieving high-quality content for your brand. Although it's important to stay flexible on these points since collaborations can often produce amazing results, it will also keep everything running smoothly as well if each party knows what their role is.

What type of gear do you use?

We use the latest professional-grade equipment for all of our video production projects. This includes high-end Sony 4K cameras, pro-lighting, audio equipment, and editing software. We also have access to a variety of tools, such as drones, gimbals, and other equipment to capture unique angles and shots.

How much do your video production services cost?

Our video production services are priced on a project-by-project basis. We take into account the scope of the project, the complexity of the shoot, and any additional services that may be required. We can provide you with an estimate for your project after we have discussed your goals and budget in more detail. To learn more, click here.

Are there any additional fees or charges I should be aware of?

Yes, there may be additional fees or charges depending on the scope of the project. These could include travel expenses, equipment rental fees, licensing fees for music or stock footage, and other miscellaneous costs. We will provide you with a detailed cost breakdown before we start work on your project so that you can make an informed decision.

How long will it take to complete the project?

The length of time it takes to complete a project depends on the complexity of the shoot and the scope of the project. We will provide you with an estimated timeline for completion after we have discussed your goals and budget in more detail. Generally speaking, most projects can be completed within 2-4 weeks depending on the complexity of the shoot.

Are there any other services that you provide, such as editing or video marketing?

Yes, we offer a range of post-production services such as editing, color correction, motion graphics, sound design, and more. We also specialize in YouTube marketing and video distribution. We can advise you on the best practices to get the maximum reach on your video. To get a full view on what we offer, click here.

Can You Advise Us About Marketing Strategy Once It's Done?

Once you have a completed video, the next step is to ensure that it reaches your target audience. The best way to do this is through an effective marketing strategy. There are many different strategies and tactics that can be used to promote your video, such as paid advertising, influencer outreach, and social media campaigns.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube are great places to start when it comes to promoting your video. You can create engaging posts with captivating visuals and descriptions of the video content. Additionally, you can use hashtags related to the topic of your video in order to reach a wider audience. Email marketing is another great way to reach out directly to potential viewers who may be interested in watching your video.

Influencer outreach is also a great way to reach out to popular figures in your industry or niche to get more eyes on your content.

Finally, paid advertising on various platforms can help you get even more exposure for your video by targeting specific audiences with tailored messages and visuals.

Lastly, our favorite is YouTube optimization and distribution as it's one of the easiest ways to get a boost in your SEO along with free traffic to your site. You can check out our guide here.

Conclusion

Start by looking at their portfolio of past work and reading reviews from previous clients. This will give you an idea of their capabilities and help you determine if they are a good fit for your project. You should also consider their rates, availability, turnaround time, and any additional services they offer. Finally, don't forget to ask questions about their process so that you can get a better understanding of what you can expect and how they work. By taking the time to do your research, you can ensure that you find the best video production company for your needs.

Still have questions? Feel free to check out FAQ page for more immediate answers.

So if you are looking for a video production partner to help bring your vision to life, get started today and see why we're one of the top video production companies in South Florida.